Hurricanes unfamiliar foe to Blackhawks

Chris KucTribune reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Chicago Blackhawks and Carolina Hurricanes don't get to see each other often, but the teams will become familiar with each other when they lock horns Friday night at RBC Arena in Raleigh, N.C.

The Hawks have never won a game at RBC Arena. Their last win in Carolina--and only road win against the Hurricanes since the franchise relocated from Hartford, Conn.--was Jan. 14, 1998 at the Greensboro Coliseum. The Hawks and Hurricanes have not met more than once in a season since 2000-01.

Center Dave Bolland gave his scouting report following the Hawks' morning skate.

"Carolina has some great players with (Jussi) Jokinen, (Tuomo) Ruutu, (Eric) Staal and all them," Bolland said. "To play against them you just have to be tough and be hard against them and be sure where they are on the ice and be aware."

In addition to the Hurricanes that Bolland mentioned, Carolina has one of the NHL's top young players in Jeff Skinner. The 19-year-old leads the Hurricanes in scoring with four goals and six assists.

Corey Crawford will start his sixth consecutive game in goal for the Hawks. He is 1-1-0 with a 2.50 goals-against average against the Hurricanes in his career. Cam Ward is scheduled to start in goal for Hurricanes.

Marian Hossa, who has scored a goal in his last five games, leads all Hawks with 23 goals, 31 assists in 48 career games against Carolina. Andrew Brunette has six goals and 11 assists in 24 career games against it.